Just catching up on this thread... Honestly, after dragging a 5D IV through 15+ countries, I've realized most "premium" accessories are basically a total scam. I spent way too much on high-end leather straps that unfortunately just soaked up sweat and got gross... definitely not as good as expected. For your situation, I would suggest these budget-friendly workhorses: * OP/TECH USA Super Classic Strap - Uni-Loop: It's literally $25, and the thick neoprene actually cushions the weight of that heavy body way better than expensive boutique brands.
* Manfrotto MB MA3-H-L Advanced Holster L: It fits the body plus a 24-70mm lens perfectly and clips onto any belt ur already wearing. Much cheaper than a dedicated camera backpack.
* SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO CompactFlash Memory Card: Make sure ur actually using the CF slot—I always carry these cuz they're way more durable for travel than fragile SD cards. Basically, the lesson I learned is that fancy aesthetics usually fail in the field. Simple gear is more reliable tho. gl!

In my experience, the 5D IV is a total tank but it can reallyyy wear you down on a two-week trip. I've been shooting with mine for years and learned that keeping it comfortable is key. Ngl, you gotta ditch the original neck strap immediately. Here is what I recommend for long days:
1. Peak Design Slide Camera Strap – This is a game changer. The padded seatbelt material lets you carry it cross-body, which seriously saves your neck from that heavy body weight.
2. Peak Design Everyday Sling 6L V2 – This fits the body and a lens perfectly. It’s super sleek and basically doesn't scream "camera bag" while walking around.
3. Tenba Protective Wrap 16-inch – Great for when you wanna just throw your gear into a normal daypack for extra protection. Anyway, keep it simple or you'll regret the weight. gl!

I’ve been doing some deep dives into the technical specs for the 5D IV market lately, and it’s pretty wild how many "affordable" brands cut corners. Tbh, as someone still learning the ropes, I've realized that the 5D IV is realy sensitive to how you rig it up. You gotta be careful not to compromise the build quality just to save a few bucks or weight. A few warnings based on what I've seen:
* **Power Management:** Be wary of those super cheap third-party battery brands. The 5D IV uses specific LP-E6N logic, and some clones dont communicate correctly with the camera, which can cause weird power drops.
* **Weight Ratios:** Since the body is over 800g, cheap mounting plates can actually flex or slip. Market data suggests "universal" fit accessories usually fail under that kind of constant load.
* **Weather Sealing Gaps:** A lot of aftermarket accessories dont have the same rubber gaskets as original gear. You dont want to risk that weather sealing on a long trip, right? It basically comes down to reliability over price. Is it worth saving a few bucks if it messes up your main body? Probably not tho. Anyway, have you checked if your current gear maintains the seal?

Hmm, I've had a different experience. Adding my two cents, but I think a hip holster might actually be better for ur back?? 1. **Holster vs Strap**: Holsters basically save ur spine lol.
2. **Insert vs Bag**: I guess a padded insert in a regular backpack is better than a dedicated camera bag.
3. **Best choice**: Holster is prolly better for long days. My neck literally died last trip... gl!